Amazing what one line in a yearbook will do. In our SEC preseason yearbook, I said Auburn was the toughest place to play in the SEC. And holy mother of pecan pie, I've been inundated with emails from the good people in the south (I'm a charter member) about what an idiot I am for making such a ridiculous statement.

So for the next few weeks, I'll rank the toughest places to play by conference, and finish with an overall top 10. And to the lovely lady in Cannon Beach, Ore., who said I was an "uninformed Yankee with his head up his arse," I'm sure the folks in the SEC office will be happy to hear their reach extends all the way to the great Northwest.

And on that note, we'll begin with the SEC.

1. Auburn: This goes hand in hand with winning. Jordan-Hare Stadium has always been loud and intimidating. But when Aubie is winning, it's like going into the Bose store in the mall, sitting in the theatre room and cranking it on 10.

2. Florida: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium should be No.1, but there's still wake from the Zook years. And really, what team of any significance did Florida beat at home last season? Call me when LSU goes down this fall.

3. Georgia: The best program in the SEC, the best facility in the league. The whole atmosphere, though, is almost too pretty.

4. LSU: I love the place. Probably my favorite stadium in the country. But there's no bigger myth than the aura of Saturday Night at Tiger Stadium. It's a fantastic atmosphere and all, but that's it. Anyone who looses to UAB at home (2001) can't call the joint intimidating.

5. Alabama: The size and shape of Bryant-Denny translates to a ton of noise and intimidation. Problem is, it happens once every two years. Or whenever Florida comes to town.

6. Arkansas: Underrated facility with wacko crazy fans. When the Hogs are winning, it's as tough an environment as any in the league. Do I really need to finish the remainder of the statement?

7. South Carolina: Best fans in the league. Ever-lasting, never-wavering support packed into a loud facility. Check back in two years when the Gamecocks win their first SEC championship.

8. Tennessee: As far as facilities, there are few better. The crowd and intimidation factor? Eh.

9. Mississippi State: Remember when State was good in the late 1990s and opposing teams were complaining about cow bells? Cow bells. I think maybe, just maybe, those complaints were more about the run of physical, aggressive teams the Bullies once had -- and haven't had since.

10. Mississippi: Considering where the facility used to be (hint: high school stadium) and where it is now after renovations (see: jewel), this isn't a bad spot on the list.

11. Kentucky: Hal Mumme's lasting gift (other than setting the program back a decade because of NCAA infractions): a beautiful stadium. That's now half full.